5 things that might give your colleagues a bad first impression

We've all been in that place where we've left a bad first impression on a person and would do anything to turn back time and rectify our behaviour. Of course, no one leaves a bad impression knowingly, especially when meeting someone for the very first time, but sometimes nerves take over and jokes fall flat and there is very little you can do to make a better impression.

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Leaving a lasting first impression at the workplace is even more important because you don't want your colleagues to form a certain mindset about you. You have to work with them day in and day out for the better part of the week and it's always best to keep a harmonious relationship with them rather than to start off on a bad note.

We've compiled a list of a few things that might give your colleagues a bad first impression. Read on to know what they are and how you can avoid them.

Getting innovative with the dress code

Every office has a dress code. Even if you work in advertising or media, where the dress code is more relaxed, there are still certain norms one needs to follow. Avoid making a bold fashion statement lest it should go wrong. Your first few days at work aren't appropriate to try the daring purple lipstick or that new bright green tie. Keep experimentation to a minimum and make a statement with your personality.

Trying to be overtly ‘funny’ or ‘cool’

You don't want to be that guy who tries extra hard to win hearts and smiles on his very first day. Take it easy with your jokes and compliments. Give yourself time to get to know your colleagues and understand what brand of humour suits their taste. You will have ample amount of time to bond with them without coming across as too eager to please.

Constantly fiddling with your phone

Millennials have this annoying habit of constantly texting even in the company of other people. While such behaviour is acceptable when you're hanging out with your friends, it is downright impolite when you're all too immersed in your mobile on your first day at work. You don't want to give your colleagues the impression that they are uninteresting people and that you'd rather have your head buried in your phone!

Bad mouthing your former organisation

Gossip is just not classy if you're doing it with people you’ve just met. Even if you have worked with the worst set of people, keep your opinions to yourself at least till you get to know your new colleagues. As rightly put by Sam Dogen, “Very few people stay at one place for their entire careers anymore. The people who you despise may end up holding the keys to your employment future.”

Bragging about your new salary

You might have received a significant increase in your pay package, but discussing it with your colleagues in a manner that sounds a lot like bragging will do you no good. A lot of companies have a non-disclosure policy where they forbid employees from revealing their pay package. Even if your organisation doesn't have such a policy, it is plain rude to gloat about how much you are worth with people you barely know.

It is difficult to get rid of a bad impression. Therefore, it is best to be careful about what you say and do on your first day at a new job as what your colleagues think about you will shape your career at the new organisation.